Journal of Applied Gerontology· 2026Q1
Comparison of Life-Space Activities by Driving Engagement Among Older Drivers
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Older drivers who report anxiety in difficult driving situations (rain, dark, unfamiliar roads) have significantly lower life-space mobility (AMI scores) compared to those who drive without anxiety, particularly if they avoid driving in four or more situations.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Older drivers reporting anxiety in difficult situations have lower life-space mobility.
- Avoiding driving in four or more challenging situations exacerbates this mobility reduction.
- Active Mobility Index (AMI) scores were significantly lower for anxious/non-drivers (p < 0.05).
- The study included 12,309 community-dwelling older Japanese drivers (mean age 72.5).
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the differences in life-space activities among older Japanese drivers based on self-reported driving engagement in relatively difficult situations. This is a cross-sectional cohort study of 12,309 community-dwelling older drivers (mean [SD] age, 72.5 [5.1] years; 54.5% female). Driving engagement was assessed using yes/no questions regarding six driving situations, including rain, dark nights, and unfamiliar roads. Responses to the situations were categorized as “not driving,” “driving with anxiety,” and “driving without anxiety.” The Active Mobility Index (AMI) assessed the life-space and activities from respondents’ home. Analysis of covariance showed that driving with anxiety and not driving in some situations were significantly lower AMI scores compared to driving without anxiety (p < 0.05), especially in those who drive ≥ 4 situations. While driving is a correlate of life-space activities in older adults, addressing driving anxiety may help maintain life-space mobility among older drivers.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2026 · DOI ↗
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